Daryl Braithwaite Retires: Aussie Music Legend Steps Down

Daryl Braithwaite is retiring from the industry that made him a legend, citing an increasing struggle to perform live. 

The 77-year-old iconic Australian singer made the sad announcement in an Instagram post on Tuesday evening. 

'I would like to share this news with you all. After much thought and consideration, I have made the difficult and sad decision to step back from performing live gigs,' the Horses singer wrote. 

'For some time now, it has been increasingly physically challenging for me to sing comfortably and as a result it has taken the joy out of performing, which has always been so important to me,' he continued. 

'I have loved the 58 years of being a part of the music industry. 

'I sincerely want to thank all of the dedicated and loyal supporters and all of the people and organisations that I have been associated with who have been such a significant part of my singing life. With much love and I thank you. Daryl.'

The announcement was met with shock and heartbreak from the entertainment industry and fans alike, who flooded the comments section with their well-wishes. 

'Wow! This is huge! A big call! Daryl, your magnificent career speaks for itself. Your generous humanitarian work is an example. Your legacy is intact! Congratulations! Enjoy. Much love and respect,' commented entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins. 

Singer Kate Ceberano wrote: 'Oh darling Daryl, what an enormous decision. I can imagine it wasn't made lightly. You will be missed on the scene but we celebrate your amazing music and beautiful voice and simply YOU. Thank you for all that you are.'

'You have given us so much over the years, it's time for us to say a huge thank you. Without a doubt, you are one of the best artists our country has ever produced,' wrote entertainment reporter Angela Bishop. 

Nova radio host Maddy Rowe commented: 'Thank you for all the joy you've brought so many people across the years Daryl, you're a legend.' 

Fans were bereft, with one supporter writing: 'Thank you for all the memories and the songs. I'm heartbroken.'

'That would have been incredibly hard. Thank you for the many decades you have brought joy to so many people,' wrote someone else. 

Another person said: 'You have to do what's best for you Daryl. You will be missed but never forgotten. You are an icon of the industry and given so much to Australian music and the country over many years.'

Daryl has said that performing his hit The Horses with global pop superstar Harry Styles (left) during his Australian tour in 2023 was a career high